Master of Public Policy (M.P.P.)

Overview
The MPP program requirements are designed to provide students with a solid, interdisciplinary foundation in public policy analysis. Students master a common set of concepts and analytical tools, and complete additional courses in a study specialization. The curriculum is divided into 3 categories for a total of 37 credits. Courses are 3 credits unless otherwise indicated.

Specific course requirements for each area of specialization are listed in the Graduate Student Handbook.

Internships
M.P.P. students who have completed 15 credits of course work, and are do not have relevant public policy work experience, are required to complete a departmentally-approved internship as a condition of graduation. Students serving the internship must register for PUBL 697. For information on the MPP internship requirement, contact Sally Helms (410-455-3202; helms@umbc.edu).

MPP Policy Analysis Paper
Master’s students are required to take a 1 credit course (PUBL 699) in which each student produces a policy analysis paper.

Master’s Thesis Option
Students may write a master’s thesis instead of the policy analysis paper. They will then substitute a 6 credit hour master’s thesis for the 1 credit hour policy analysis paper. Students choosing this option will be required to take only 3 track courses instead of the 4 required of other students. As a consequence, students choosing the master’s thesis option will engage in a 39 credit hour master’s program instead of the 37 hour program required of the other students.